The smell of paint, clay, and fresh ideas fills the corridors of the College of Fine Arts in Thiruvananthapuram. The collective creative energy has spilt into the gallery for that final, grand showcase.
This year’s Degree Show is proceeding as final year students display all they have learnt throughout their course. This year’s event is especially significant as it is the golden jubilee year of the college. Over 40 students from the painting, sculpture, and applied arts departments are presenting their work.
“What we have done in the last four years, what we studied and explored, all of that is here in the gallery,” says Avinash C S, one of the student coordinators.
“We come from different parts of Kerala, but for the past four years, Thiruvananthapuram has been our second home. The artworks also tell the story of how the city and college shaped our thoughts, art, and growth. I believe this is just the beginning for us, and this space helps us understand what’s next,” he adds.
According to faculty member and show coordinator Manesha Deva Sarma, fine arts colleges are not like other educational institutions. “These are cultural spaces where anyone can walk in, enjoy art, and be part of the experience. The Degree Show is a reflection of that,” he says.
More than just an exhibition, this week is a celebration for the college. Along with the exhibition, there are film screenings, artist talks, and lectures. “Whether in painting, sculpture, or design, there are now numerous innovative possibilities. This batch is incredibly enthusiastic about exploring them, integrating these ideas into their work, and creating meaningful expressions,” says Manesha.
“Presenting these students who transitioned from amateur to professional artists is also a core motive of the show.”
The exhibition, which will conclude on June 30, is open to the public from 9am to 8.30pm.